Mad Men Premier Party Cocktails

I thought this week was going to be a quiet one on the cocktail front. We’ve already celebrated spring, Saint Patty and all of his cocktail-loving buddies are behind us, and there’s not another major holiday until Easter. But, I was wrong. I guess it’s true what they say: Life is a party, so while we’re here we should dance – and drink cocktails! Okay, I added that last part, but you catch my drift.

You’re probably wondering the cause for celebration, right? Well, I just got myself invited to a really cool Mad Men premier party. Oh, yeah! I’ve never watched the show, but it really looks like something I would like (hence my excitement). Now I have a reason to rent the DVD box set and catch up on old episodes. I wouldn’t want to go to the party looking like a noob, now would I?

My dilemma is this: The premier is in just five days and I have a lot of catching up to do (that’s 52 episodes in less than a week – quite a marathon!) Good thing my classes are at Everest online instead of in person, so I have a little more flexibility. Still, I’m not sure I’ll get through it all before the party. But maybe if I bring some really cool 50s cocktails, no one will notice. Here are the ones I’m considering:

Cuba Libre – Also known as a rum and Coke.

Brandy Alexander – Brandy crème de cacao and nutmeg… yummy!

Gibson Martini – This is essentially a regular martini with cocktail onions instead of olives. I’m not a fan of straight up martinis, but this occasion really seems to call for them.

Old Fashioned – But of course, I’ll prepare this classic cocktail. I just hope the host has the highball glasses.

Okay, that’s probably enough for a Sunday night, don’t you think? Now I’m beginning to realize how a non-Mad-Men watching gal got herself invited in the first place. ;)

Saint Patrick's Day Cocktails

Alright, people - the time has come. One of my favorite holidays is almost upon us. That’s right – Saint Patty’s Day! Yay! I honestly don’t even know why I like the holiday so much. I’m only half Irish, and I’m vegan (so no corned beef for this gal). I’m not even a fan of Guinness. Maybe it’s the memories of daytime drinking in my college days that gets me sentimental. Maybe it’s the tattoo I have as a reminder. I’m not sure; but I love me a good Saint Patty’s Day pub crawl. And in that spirit, I’m going to share a few of my favorite Saint Patrick’s themed drinks with you:

Irish Coffee – You can bet this will be how I’ll be starting my Saint Patrick’s Day celebration (that is, if I can find a suitable vegan alternative). Coffee, Irish cream, whiskey and a pinch of nutmeg. Yummers!

Emerald Isle Martini – Just add some blue curacao and melon liqueur to your vodka martini, and you’ve Saint Patrick-ized it! Now, you just have to imagine you’re sitting on the Emerald Isle as you sip on this tasty and festive concoction.

Irish Cactus – I love the idea of this cocktail, but sadly I cannot partake. That just means you’ll have to have one in my honor. Combine two ounces of Irish cream and tequila to make yourself an Irish cactus; just don’t forget to make two!

Green Dublin Martini – Consider this the Irish version of an apple martini. Actually, it’s pretty darn close. To make this drink, you’ll need Irish whiskey (of course), sour apple schnapps and some white cranberry juice (white grape juice will do just fine, if you can’t find white cranberry).

You may have noticed that there’s no mocktail advice this week. Here's my take on that: On Saint Patrick’s Day, you’re either drinking or you’re not. Mocktails need not apply.

Oscar Party Cocktails

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for: the 84th annual Academy Awards is here! And the Oscar goes to… Why, the person with the best Oscar party, of course! Well, that’s who it would go to if I were doling out those little gold men. So, today I have a treat for you all: A little Oscar party inspiration. Make them as cocktails or mocktails; either way, your guests will be thrilled. Actually, since it’s a Sunday night (work in the morning), guests might really appreciate the mocktail versions. And, boy would you be in trouble if the office administrative assistant didn’t show up for work after having too much absinthe at your shindig.

Black Russian – If you’re a fan of the movie Black Swan, you might want to serve this dark version of a White Russian. Just use black vodka instead of the standard stuff. If you’re going with a mocktail, use food coloring to get the dark effect.

Inception – Wasn’t that a great movie? And, of course it made you run out and get a bottle of absinthe, right? What a great cocktail to serve to your guests tonight. Just make sure no one has too much. At about 70 percent alcohol, absinthe is nothing to mess around with (especially not on a school night).

Coconut Water Mocktail – This Toy Story 3 inspired drink is packed with antioxidants to keep your guests feeling great (tonight and tomorrow morning). Just mix some fruit juice (papaya works wonderfully) with coconut water and enjoy. Even the kiddos will love this one.

Classic Martini – If you want to keep things simple, you might opt for a classic martini. Since the early days of the Academy Awards, the martini has starred in more nominated movies than Katherine Hepburn (who, by the way, has been nominated 12 times in the Best Actress category).

Valentine's Day Cocktails

Saint Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, and love is in the air. What better way to get into the mood than to start off the evening with a cocktail or two? If things get a little spicy, of course, you can always opt to end the evening with a few mocktails. But, for now, let’s throw caution to the wind. I’m all about the cocktails!

If you’re preparing a homemade dinner for your honey this holiday, consider serving a few appetizers with specially-selected cocktails for the occasion. Think of it as a cocktail hour before dinner. What fun! If you’re planning to go all out for dinner, you don’t have to get crazy with the appetizers. Simple bread sticks or cheese and crackers will work just fine in a pinch. Just remember to serve them up in a fancy heart-shaped dish!

Here are a few ideas to help you starti your Valentine’s Day off with a cocktail in hand:

Champagne and strawberries – It doesn’t get much easier than this. Just serve some chilled champagne (in champagne flutes, of course) and drop a slice of strawberry into each glass. Again, it’s simple; but doesn’t it just ooze romance?

Besame – Besa me means “kiss me” in Spanish. So, with this drink, you might get a little kiss along with your cocktail. It’s made with raspberries, Chambord, fruit juice, and a tequila liqueur called Agavero. Agavero has been known for centuries as a potent aphrodisiac, so the kissing may come naturally after a few sips.

Raspberry Chocolate Kiss Martini – Really, any pink or red martini will do the trick; even a cosmo. But I just liked the name, and I thought chocolate and Valentine’s Day have such a natural connection. Why not serve it along with your appetizers?

Personally, if I can find the Agavero, I’ll definitely be making a few Besames on Tuesday. Of course, since my husband is a tax accountant and this is his busy season, we’ll have to take it easy on the Besames, but we’ll have one or two, for sure.

What’s your cocktail of choice?